Guy left the dinning hall alone and walked toward his room in the castle. He walked briskly through the long dark hallways. Today was not a good day.

He didn't feel well, his head was pounding and he felt as if his stomach would lurch out.

He guessed that at any moment his head would explode, or implode… depending.

He stopped walking and leant against the wall as he closed his eyes. His hand moved to the bridge of his nose. It was late and dark, he figured no one was even up at this hour to see him.

Today was not a very good day indeed.

It had all started when the Sheriff had yelled at him for something pointless. He couldn't even remember what is was now. But, it wasn't news, for him to be yelled at. The sheriff often humiliated Guy and made him feel weak and low, like trash. To make matters worse he had yelled at Marian, although he didn't know the reason.

That wasn't even the worst of it. About half way into their feud he slapped her hard with the black of his hand. No remorse showed on his face at all. Guy had felt his heart shatter when he saw Marian close her eyes to hold back threatening tears.

He felt so hopeless; there was nothing he could do. He could only sit and watch him hurt her. He had hit her twice.

The second time he spoke up, "Enough." He shouted it and stood tall.

If there weren't guards watching he would have killed Vassey without a second thought.

During all this, the sheriff, unfortunately had seen the distress on Guy's face, he looked like he wanted to sweep her off her feet and leave… for good. The sheriff smiled wickedly as he turned and left the hall, which was empty except for the few of them. His guards followed suit.

Guy watched Marian compose herself. After a moment she stood up from her chair. He strode over to her quickly.

Just as she was going to walk away Guy put his hand on her arm softly. He felt her tense at first but then she turned to face him. She noticed his eyes were slightly watery.

"I'm fine," she reassured. He raised an eyebrow to question her. She swallowed hard. His sad blue eyes found the new forming bruise on her right cheek. He hadn't noticed until now how close they actually were. He was surprised she hadn't pulled away.

He let go of her arm and cleared his throat.

She watched his lips as he spoke, "You should put ice on your cheek."

She nodded and smiled lightly, but in a way that made his heart flutter.

"Thank you Guy," she said after a moment.

He moved aside for her in a gentlemanly way and she walked off.

He leant his head against the cold stone. He'd never felt this way before for anyone. She made him feel wanted and warm on the inside. Sure she did get him frustrated sometimes. But, he was sure that what she was feeling was undoubtedly love.

For the first time in his life he cared for someone more than himself. He cared a great deal for Marian and he believed that somehow, and somewhere in her heart she knew that.

Deciding he wouldn't be able to sleep tonight he thought some fresh air might help. He walked in the opposite direction towards the doors of the castle. He stepped outside.

The crisp cool air hit him soothingly. His leather warm on his arms and chest still, he could see his own breath.

He walked down a few steps and sat down on one of them. He put his head in his hands softly. It was quiet. All that could be heard were crickets and cool breeze.

He was startled when he felt a warm hand on his shoulder. He picked up his head to find Marian's concerned eyes watching him. She took a seat next to him.

"Shouldn't you be asleep," he asked jokingly.

She shrugged. "Couldn't sleep."

He turned to face her. She looked so beautiful, he hair was up in a ponytail and she was wearing a brown dress, which brought out her eyes more than ever. Oh how he wished he had the strength to tell her how he felt.

He finally noticed the full-blown bruise on her cheek. Without thinking he raised his hand to her cheek. He felt her shudder lightly and he smiled. His thumb grazed over her bruise. He was close enough to kiss her, but somehow, he found the strength not to.

"I shouldn't have let him hurt you," he stated and put his hand down. As if ashamed he turned away and looked out at the dark town.

She, on the other hand, didn't turn away. She continued to watch him, although thankfully he didn't notice.

"There was nothing you could have done." He swallowed hard and kept his eyes on the ground.

"I'm alright," she added hoping he would respond in some way. Half of her hoped he would lean in and kiss her, and the other half of her wondered what it would lead to. She suppressed a smile.

After a few minutes she asked, "Why are you so sore?"

Immediately after asking it she regretted it because she knew the answer. He picked his head up, "Shouldn't you try and sleep? Go and get some rest."

She shook her head and without thinking her hand found his cold one. "Guy. Talk to me. I'm here. What's bothering you?"

He looked down at their hands, "Nothing."

"Guy…" she trailed off. His eyes felt surprisingly human to her.

Her eyes were filled with anticipation and frustration. "It's you Marian."

Her eyes met his in an instant. His hand was still in her hers, "What?" She asked it quietly as reality dawned on her.

Why was he always so at a loss of words around her? He shook his head, "You…" he began and stopped, "I apologize Marian. I shouldn't have." Before she had a chance to speak he rose to his feet and walked to the door.

Hurt and angry with himself for not being able to tell her, he opened the door hard, "Good night Marian," he said before entering the castle.

Now, she was sure he cared for her. If only he knew how she felt.

What do you think? R and R plz…

~To be Cont.~